Case notes on veterinary investigations in sheep, cattle and other species

2024 Spring edition of case studies

Sheep

Chlamydial abortion, Chlamydophila abortus, enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE)
Written by: Phil Scott DVM&S BVM&S CertCHP DSHP DipECBHM FRCVS
Infection typically results in the abortion/birth of fresh dead and/or weak lambs during the last three weeks of gestation ... Read More

Two livestock owners' observations on kangaroo gait in lactating composite ewes
Written by: Sarah Maher, Animal Production Advisor, AGnVET, Wagga Wagga, Anthony Hoolihan, 'The Poplars', Porter's Retreat and Bruce Watt, Central Tablelands LLS, Bathurst
Kangaroo gait is a radial neuropathy causing forelimb weakness in lactating ewes which move bearing most weight on the hind legs leading to a bunny-hopping or kangaroo-like gait ... Read More

Cattle

Two cases of clinical copper deficiency in young Angus cattle in NE NSW
Written by: Lisa Martin, Northern Tablelands LLS, Ian Poe, North Coast LLS, Jim Kerr, Hunter LLS, Jane Dwyer, North Coast LLS and Bruce Watt, Central Tablelands LLS
Copper deficient cattle are typically ill-thrifty, with a depigmented coat, including 'spectacles' around the eyes and diarrhoea ... Read More

Other

Eimeria macusaniensis causing death in adult alpacas
Written by: Kylie Greentree, Hunter LLS, Maitland and Anne Jordan, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute
Coccidia are protozoan parasites that can affect a wide range of species, but the impact varies significantly depending on the species, age, health status and environmental conditions ... Read More